Solar Power Minus the Light

An anonymous reader writes "Popular Science is running a story about a small company trying to take advantage of all the global warming hype. Matteran Energy uses 'thermal-collection technology to heat a synthetic fluid with a very low boiling point (around 58F), creating enough steam to drive a specially designed turbine. And although a fluid-circuit system converting heat into electricity is nothing new, Matterans innovative solution increases the systems efficiency to a point where small-scale applications make economic sense.' Notably, this comes during a record breaking heat wave here in the US. So has the day finally arrived where I can run my AC off of all that heat outdoors?"

Comments

The heat-wave taught me something...

[bogaboga]

Well for me, this heat wave has been an eye opener. Like most Americans, I thought all of Africa is hotter than anything to be found in the USA. But I was wrong. Capitals of countries like Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda that I visited last year never have temperatures beyond 80 degrees Fahrenheit though they are on the equator! I was shocked.

One needs a sweater at night. I was informed that it's because of these countries' high altitute. I believe this because even when temperatures are so high in the USA, it's freezing at higher altitudes. One thing also; When [president] Bush visited Africa 2 years ago, re did not remove his jacket even though it was noon in Uganda! This tells me something. I was not "educated!"

In fact, I was told by my guide that he's never needed an A/C. When I told my relatives about what I discovered, they just could not believe it. To them like most Americans, Africa is hotter than anything found in the USA. I know they are not alone.